Vegas Secures Second Place in TripAdvisor Rankings

Vegas Secures Second Place in National Rankings

Let me tell you, when I saw Las Vegas claiming the number two spot on TripAdvisor's 2026 Best U. S. Destinations list, I had mixed feelings. On one hand, we beat out Nashville, New Orleans, and Chicago – which is no small feat. On the other hand, we're still playing second fiddle to New York City, and honestly, that stings a little after some rough patches in 2025.

Real talk, this ranking couldn't come at a better time. Last year was rocky for Vegas tourism, with visitor numbers dipping and some major events getting canceled. But this TripAdvisor recognition – based on millions of actual traveler reviews – shows we're still a force to be reckoned with. The fact that we also snagged second place in their Food Destinations category proves what I've been saying for years: our dining scene is absolutely not playing around.

Why Vegas Still Hits Different

What I love about this ranking is that it‘s not some tourism board fluff piece – it’s based on real reviews from real travelers who've actually been here. TripAdvisor analyzed millions of reviews between October 2024 and September 2025, looking at everything from hotels to restaurants to attractions. That means people are genuinely having good experiences here, not just getting caught up in the marketing hype.

The competition was fierce too. We beat out destinations like O'ahu, Charleston, and Key West – places that people absolutely adore. But Vegas has something those coastal towns don't: we reinvent ourselves constantly. New restaurants, new shows, new experiences dropping all the time. You can visit Vegas five times and have five completely different trips.

The Food Scene Recognition Hits Different

I'm not gonna lie, seeing Vegas hit number two for Food Destinations in the U. S. makes my heart happy. Behind New York City but ahead of Maui, Orlando, and Miami? That‘s respect we’ve earned. From the celebrity chef empires on the Strip to the incredible hole-in-the-wall spots locals guard like state secrets, our food game has been elevated for years now.

This isn‘t about overpriced steakhouses anymore – though we’ve got those too if that‘s your thing. We’re talking about innovative Asian fusion, authentic Mexican street food, craft cocktail programs that rival any major city. The fact that travelers are recognizing this in their reviews shows we've moved way beyond the buffet stereotype.

Building on This Momentum

Here‘s what I’m thinking: this TripAdvisor recognition is exactly what Vegas needs to bounce back stronger from 2025‘s challenges. These aren’t just participation trophies – they're based on quality and quantity of traveler reviews, which means word-of-mouth is working in our favor.

The key now is not getting comfortable. New York City didn‘t claim that top spot by accident – they’re constantly evolving their offerings and experiences. Vegas has always been about reinvention, and if we want to eventually take that number one spot, we need to keep pushing boundaries. More unique experiences, better value for money, and keeping that energy that makes people want to come back.

Absolutely not settling for second place forever, but I'll take this recognition as proof that Vegas is still the destination that delivers unforgettable experiences.

Don't take my word for it... the whole report is here.